Salamun Alaykum,
In Yemeni Arabic, we often use "Allahumma" outside of the context of Dua, typically with a negative connotation. For example:
I just bought a used car. It's a pretty good car, allahumma, it was in a minor fender bender.
The next-door neighbor is such a nice guy, allahumma, he robs banks for a living.
This usage aligns with what we’ve learned about the term. However, I’m wondering if I might be confusing it with another term. What leads me to think they might be the same is that Yemen historically had a very large Jewish population until recently. There is so much that the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in Yemen shared with each other, so it's possible that some Hebrew terms mixed into the Yemeni Arabic dialect.
Has anyone else noticed this or can offer more insight?
Anwar AT
Salamun Alaikum
Yeah that is true in some Levant countries dialects .. I heard it several times from people with the meaning : "regrettably"
Mohamad Ali Hassan
Salaamun alaykum. I am not an Arabic speaker, but if this is true, then the Yemenis have the correct usage of the word Allahumma, while the other Arabs got the wrong usage. I notice there is a discussion on Stack Exchange on the topic of Islam on this issue. The discussion involves the fact that in common Arabic expressions nowadays, they don't use Yaa Ar-Rahman but just Yaa Rahmaan, Yaa Malik instead of Yaa Al-Malik, and similar other attributes of Allahh. I attach the link if anyone is interested. Please correct me if I am wrong. arabic - What are the differences between "Ya Allah" vs "Allahuma"? - Islam Stack Exchange
Mohamad Ali Hassan
Salaamun'alaykum. Thank you. This will provide another point for engaging the imams and ustazs to change their du'as to Robbana or Robbi, from their traditional Allahumma.
nor hanizah abu hanit
Salaamun alaykum
In Malay, we say 'Alamak' and I thought that sounds a lot like 'Allahumma'. It is an expression of frustration and you are correct, we use it when something bad happen. Like, 'Alamak! I forgot to bring the things that you asked me to.' And also, when let's say, someone drops something that he is carrying, the others who saw it will exclaim, 'Alamak!'
Funny how such word gets to go around through many communities.
nor hanizah abu hanit
There are two places “ya Rabb” us used in the Quran. Rabb means master (among many meanings it carries) and it can refer to a human.